The new special school in Palmerston is opening its doors to the community on Saturday 5 November 2016 to showcase the high quality purpose-built facilities on offer to families in the Palmerston and rural area.

The school will be open to the community between 10am and 1pm and will be a great day out for the whole family, with tours of the state-of-the-art facilities, a fundraising BBQ and play equipment for the kids.

Principal Annie Keighran said "I am delighted to invite community members and families to come and look inside the new school before the students commence their education in 2017".

"The school offers specialised and individualised programs to students with disabilities who have high support needs best met in this school setting,” Ms Keighran said.

Stage one of the new special school will cater for up to 84 preschool and primary school students with high support special needs from Palmerston and the Darwin rural areas.

The first stage provides a safe and secure learning environment including:

• three self-contained purpose-designed general learning areas with 12 classrooms, withdrawal rooms and teacher preparation areas;
• a covered outdoor hydrotherapy pool;
• a multi-purpose school hall;
• specialised outdoor learning areas and covered walkways; and
• a covered safe drop-off area for buses and parents.

The school also includes a therapeutic horticulture habitat, recognising the many benefits and learning experiences that this type of therapy provides children with special needs.

All interested community members are welcome to attend the open day, located at Palmerston special school on the corner of Flynn Circuit and Forrest Parade in Bellamack.

Media contact: Kat Acampora – 0401 119 215